To celebrate the beauty and power of Transgender people, here are 13 Trans Influencers and activists who inspire us. Their stories provide accurate and personal accounts of what it is like to be transgender, the importance of inclusion, Trans rights and why we all need to fight trans-phobia. Moreover, it really shows how much everyone can learn and grow from listening to one another’s stories. Just listening.
1. Lillian Lennon
Starting as a field organizer, 19 -year old transgender and queer activist Lillian Lennon helped defeat Proposition 1, an anti-transgender bathroom bill in Anchorage, Alaska. As a conversion therapy survivor, Lillian joined forces with the advocacy group Fair Anchorage in 2017 to spread trans awareness and to fight to protect trans rights. “Trans and gender non-conforming people still have to live in areas of Alaska without basic protections and we have to change that.”
On Twitter, Lillian inspires her followers to be kind to others, to be allies to the LGBTQ community and to un-apologetically yourself.
2. Alex Bertie
Alex Bertie is a Transgender man who not only runs an amazing Youtube Channel with 309K subscribers but is also an author of the book Trans Mission: My Quest To A Beard.
Both of Alex’s YouTube channel and book offer the personal and honest experiences that come with transitioning. He shares videos of his post-op surgery, gives advice to other trans people and candidly shares his story with medication and hormones. If that isn’t enough, he’s also really funny!
3. Nikita Dragun
Nikita Dragun is a social media star, model, makeup artist, fashion entrepreneur, beauty guru and trans-right activist. She first rose to fame from her highly popular YouTube channel when she posted an emotional video tagged “I am transgender”, which has since gone viral. Her YouTube currently has 1.8 million subscribers and she uses her platform to advocate for Trans Rights, authenticity, acceptance and inclusivity.
Most recently, Nikita has made headlines by going head-to-head with Victoria Secret and their anti-trans statements in a viral Instagram video that has gotten more than 7.7 million views. Her video was in response made by lingerie brand’s chief marketing officer Ed Razek who said Victoria Secret wouldn’t cast transgender models in it’s annual show because it’s not a “fantasy.”
4. Jazz Jennings
Jazz Jennings is the 18-year-old star of TLC’s reality show “I Am Jazz.” She began living as her authentic self at age 5, and with the aid of her parents, she asserted her identity as a girl while demanding her school treat her as one. Jennings has since ascended into a role as one of the nation’s foremost trans activists and social media influencers. Her YouTube channel has more than 560k subscribers offers a personal account about her transitioning journey and the experiences she has along the way.
Her online presence also includes trans activism. In an article with the HuffPost Jennings says, ” I’m not gonna give my attention to the Trump administration and people who are not supportive of the transgender community. Instead, I’m trying to speak with others out there and tell them not to be afraid of being who they are. I tell them not to worry. The government doesn’t have power over you ― people have power over the government. And you’re the people. So you be you, and be free.”
5. Kai Wes Bigwood
Kai Wes Bigwood is a transmaculine nonbinary hero. Using their Instagram platform to document their top surgery and transition, Bigwood advocates for trans-awareness and anti-LGBT+ bullying. They have a shock of coiffed blonde hair, regularly rock beanies and backwards caps, and frequently post photos of themselves shirtless, embracing their post-op chest. Hailing from Los Angeles, CA, Bigwood is able to bear all with a bit more ease than in other parts of the country, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t face discrimination or other forms of prejudice. Their Instagram doesn’t shy away from difficult topics. In a photo from just a month and a half ago, a mirror selfie exposes Bigwood’s chest and neck covered in bloody scratches. They were a survivor of a physical attack by their neighbor. “My heart hurts. My body hurts. I am fiercely angry and sad. But this will only make my partner and [me] stronger,” part of the caption reads. Bigwood’s Instagram is full of everything from capturing everyday life and hanging out with their non-binary friends, to working on creative design and photo projects, and making videos of their voice after each month of testosterone. Candid and honest, Bigwood shows us how queer and lovely life can be.
6. Eli Erlick
Eli Erlick is a gender non-conforming trans woman who’s here, queer, and dapper beyond words. Her Instagram is full of political commentary focusing on fashion, politics, and education. Speaking out candidly about issues ranging from inclusivity within the LGBT+ community and historical references to queerness to gender non-conforming word usage and trans-exclusionary feminism, Erlick makes it known that she’s willing to stand up for causes that she’s passionate about. Documenting her transition by posting split screen photos of herself early in her transition to present day, Erlick shows her followers that its an ongoing process of self-discovery and understanding gender-identity. As a gender non-conforming trans woman, Erlick is constantly questioned on her more masculine presenting appearance but combats it with genuine activism coupled with personal anecdotes. Fierce and fiery, Erlick shows us how to be strong in the face of adversity.
7. Devin Michael Lowe
Devin Michael Lowe is an actor, model, and intersectional activist of transgender experience. He runs trans masculine support groups and workshops that focus on redefining and centering healthy masculinity. As an actor, Lowe advocates for a change in the film industry where more trans people can be cast for any kind of role. Lowe also uses his Twitter and Instagram to document his journey as well as gather people to come join his support groups. His goal is to create a safe environment for trans people like himself and support them throughout their own personal transition.
8. Vivek Shraya
With her colorful persona, Vivek Shraya shares her experiences as a trans woman through her Instagram, music, and in her book I’m Afraid of Men. Shraya identifies as a queer, trans woman of color who’s purpose is to bring awareness to racism and reimagine gender as a fluid concept. In her book of poetry, even this page is white, Shraya shines light on the effects of racism and colonialism in Canada whereas in her recent non-fiction book, I’m Afraid of Men, she speaks about the fear of masculinity imposed on her throughout her life as a boy and and a woman. On her Instagram, Vivek Shraya pushes the boundaries between masculinity and femininity and inspires others like herself or near the similar position to push with her.
9. Avery Jackson
Coming out as transgender at age 4, Avery was supported by her parents to fully transition, and through this experience she has become an advocate for LGBT youth. Her story made national headlines as her parents were passionate about going to great lengths to help their daughter be happy. Combatting the lack of representation of transgender children, Avery has helped other families find strength and encouragement in their own trans journeys.
In 2016, Avery became the first trans person to be on the cover of National Geographic and in 2017 she published her own children’s book about her life called “It’s okay to sparkle.” She says, “I hope that kids who read my book will learn what it means to be transgender, so that they won’t be afraid if they meet a transgender person like me. I also hope that if any other kids who are trans read it, they won’t feel so alone. My book can help kids and grown-ups understand that a transgender boy or girl can be happy if they are allowed to be the person they know they are on the inside. ”
10. Zoey Luna
16 year old Zoey Luna has been a voice and advocate for the transgender community since she was young. At the age of 13, she fought for and helped pass California’s AB1266, a law that grants students the right to use facilities that correspond with their gender identity. She is also featured on the HBO documentaries “15: A Quinceañera Story,” and “Raising Zoey.”
Aside from being a social media personality, Zoey is also started a fledgling career as an actress and model while continuing to speak out in favor of queer & other civil rights causes.
11. Corey Maison
Corey Maison knew she wanted to be a girl when she was 11 years old, but was scared of disapproval from her parents. Little did she know that her mother, Erica, was coming to terms with a new gender identity of her own. Four years later, they’ve become a father-daughter duo that faces every step of their unique journey with strength and pride.
Back in January, Katie Couric featured Corey and Eric’s story as part of her Gender Revolution, a National Geographic special series. “They are moving in opposite directions but toward their true selves,” she wrote of their dynamic. To view their story, click here.
12. Josie Totah
Former Disney Channel actress Josie Totah has recently come out to the world as transgender as her first post on Instagram. “My pronouns are she, her, and hers. I identify as female , specifically as a transgender female. And my name is Josie Totah.” Using her platform and her social media, Totah was ready to share her story as well as inspire those like her to be their true self.
“I don’t feel like I was put in the wrong body. I don’t feel like there was a mistake made. I believe that I am transgender to help people understand differences. It allows me to gain perspective, to be more accepting of others, because I know what it feels like to know you’re not like everyone else.”
Just like Devon Michael Lowe, Josie Totah hopes to not only manage going to college, but also seeks to expand her limits as an actress by auditioning for roles that do not constrict to the gender she was born with.
13. Laith-Ashley de la Cruz
Laith-Ashley De la Cruz started his modeling career at the same time he began his transition. The model and spokesperson has shared his story of acceptance and transition on news outlets in an attempt to demystify the misconceptions of being trans. He wants for people to realize that trans people are more than their transition.
“There’s a lack of visibility and representations for trans men. Even yesterday, I was feeling down because I feel like I’m always either fighting against or running from something. It’s very tiring to be the one who has to break the barriers. It may look like I’m doing so well and doing all these things, but the reality is that the struggle is still there.”